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ECONOMIC INCLUSION

Empowering Somalia’s Youth Through Skills, Enterprise, and Opportunity

The Baxnaano Economic Inclusion (EI) Window is a flagship initiative of the Federal Government of Somalia, implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) under the Baxnaano National Social Protection Programme.
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Baxnaano Impact On Economic Inclusion

The Baxnaano economic inclusion program is designed to enhance the livelihoods and employability of Somalia’s poor and vulnerable youth, with a particular focus on women and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Currently piloted in Banaadir region, the program targets over 1,000 beneficiaries, with plans for gradual expansion to other regions.

By combining skills development, entrepreneurship support, and digital inclusion, the EI Window builds the foundation for self-reliance and long-term resilience.

Two Tracks, One Goal - Economic Empowerment

The Economic Inclusion Window offers tailored support through two complementary tracks:

Skills Development Track

Prepares participants for the job market through:

  • Socio-emotional and soft skills training.
  • Technical skills delivered via work-based learning and apprenticeships.
  • Monthly stipends to reduce dropout risk and financial pressure.

Entrepreneurship Track

Supports aspiring entrepreneurs with:

  • Entrepreneurship and financial literacy training.
  • Start-up grants disbursed in two tranches.
  • Business Development Services (BDS), mentorship, and follow-up support.

Both tracks are designed to help youth transition from dependence to economic independence, fostering confidence, skills, and sustainability.

Who We Serve

The program targets youth aged 18–35, prioritizing:

  • Women and persons with disabilities.
  • Economically vulnerable or unemployed individuals.
  • Residents in target areas willing to engage in training or business development.

Targeting is data-driven, using socioeconomic profiling, digital registration, and geo-tagging to ensure fairness and transparency.

An Entrepreneurship Aptitude Test (EAT) is administered to assess applicants’ readiness for business and determine the most suitable pathway — training or entrepreneurship.

Implementation Journey: From Enrollment to Empowerment

The Economic Inclusion Pilot is currently underway in Banaadir region, with core activities implemented through the Buruuj Technical Training Institute and coordinated via Economic Inclusion Centers that serve as local facilitation hubs for registration, orientation, and mentorship.
As of October 2025, over 1,000 beneficiaries have been enrolled and commenced socio-emotional and soft skills training, alongside technical courses such as mobile phone diagnostics and repair. Regular visits by MoLSA officials ensure program quality, accountability, and alignment with national standards.

How the Process Works

  • Expression of Interest: outh apply through outreach drives, SMS platforms, or community facilitators.
  • Screening & Assessment: Eligibility is verified using socioeconomic data and community validation to ensure fairness.
  • Orientation & Enrolment:Participants receive their program ID, training schedules, and stipend information.
  • Training or Business Support: Beneficiaries engage in technical or entrepreneurship training, depending on their selected track.
  • Financial Support: Grants and stipends are disbursed digitally in two tranches, linked to verified milestones.
  • Monitoring & Mentorship: Continuous coaching and data tracking help measure progress and address challenges early.
  • Exit & Graduation: Participants graduate upon confirmed employment or establishment of their business, transitioning to economic independence.

Our Impact In Numbers

1,000

Beneficiaries

Over 1,000 beneficiaries, including women and persons with disabilities, have enrolled in the Economic Inclusion pilot across Banaadir.
women getting trained for economic inclusion by Baxnaano
economic inclusion project at Baxnaano

95%

On-time payments and full transparency

All stipends and business grants are delivered via secure mobile money, ensuring 95% on-time payments and full transparency.

120

Small Business Plans Approved

More than 120 small business plans have been approved under the entrepreneurship track, with ongoing mentorship ensuring business growth and job creation.

Stories of Change

Baxnaano helped me acquire skills in business development and entrepreneurship. The training has helped how to be creative and how to manage a business.

Hibo Nuur Ahmed–

Jubaland

I learnt how to fix home appliances in the Baxnaano program. I beleive that I will be a productive person who can serve the community and provide a better life for my family.

Abdi Hiloolwe Adan

Deynile

Baxnaano transformed mu life through trainingd. Through graphic design course I gained proffesional design and entepreneurship skills and syatyed earning commisions from my wor.

Naima Awil –

Mogadishu

Looking Ahead

The Baxnaano Economic Inclusion Pilot is shaping the roadmap for a national rollout that links social protection with livelihoods.
Future phases will expand to rural districts, integrate with education and nutrition programs, and strengthen public-private partnerships to sustain results.

The vision is clear, a Somalia where every young person has the skills, confidence, and opportunity to thrive.

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FAQS

It is a labor market support program aimed at helping poor and vulnerable youth, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) improve their employment and entrepreneurship opportunities through skills training, business support, and mentorship.

Eligible participants are unemployed or underemployed youth (typically 18–35 years), women, and PWDs living in urban and rural districts in Banadir.

  • The program offers:
    Socio-emotional and soft skills training
  • Technical skills through work-based learning
  • Entrepreneurship support, including grants and business development services
  • Monthly stipends during participation
  • Mentoring and coaching

You can apply through:

  • Hormuud Foundation
  • Community meetings and awareness campaigns
  • Local Economic Inclusion Centers
  • Outreach activities led by community facilitators

The EAT is a simple test used to assess your readiness for starting and running a business. It helps the program determine whether you're better suited for the business support track or skills training.

You will go through:

  • Eligibility screening
  • Socioeconomic assessment
  • Orientation sessions
  • Selection into the most suitable support trackOnce enrolled, you will receive a schedule for your activities and information about your benefits.

Grants and stipends are transferred through secure mobile money platforms in two or more tranches. You must meet specific conditions, such as submitting a business plan or attending training, to receive each tranche.

You can use the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), which includes:

  • Toll-free helplines
  • SMS complaint channels
  • In-person support at Economic Inclusion Centers
    All concerns will be recorded, tracked, and addressed promptly.

Yes. If you meet the eligibility criteria and pass the EAT, you may qualify for business development services and support to expand your existing business.

Yes. Participants who successfully complete the skills training or business development track will receive a certificate of completion, which may help with future employment or business opportunities.

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